Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 Women’s College Basketball Season
As we think about the upcoming 2025-26 Women’s College basketball season, some familiar names pop up. UConn and South Carolina are expected to make their way back to the Final Four, with LSU, UCLA, and Texas also in the mix as potential contenders.
Last season, UCLA emerged as a Final Four newcomer, thanks to players like Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice showcasing their skills in their first national semi-finals. It’s interesting to remember that UCLA previously won the national title back in 1978. In 2023, Virginia Tech made its debut in the National Semi-finals, led by coach Kenny Brooks and standout players Georgia Amoore and Elizabeth Kitley, both of whom have WNBA aspirations.
But, are there teams that might surprise us this season? Well, yes—there are several contenders, specifically a couple from the Big 12.
Let’s delve into why these new teams have a shot at making a splash in Phoenix this April.
TCU, known as the Horned Frogs, came quite close to reaching last year’s Final Four, ultimately falling to Texas in the Elite 8. After experiencing the best season in their history, they now face a rebuilding phase due to the loss of key players like Haley Van Lith and Sedona Prince.
To bolster the team, Coach Mark Campbell has smartly tapped into the transfer portal, acquiring notable talents such as Kentucky’s Clara Silva and Texas A&M’s Talija Parker. Along with players like Donobin Hunter and Taylor Bigby returning to the lineup, TCU has the potential to make another deep run in March Madness.
With Miles leading the squad and an array of talented players surrounding her, expectations for TCU are undoubtedly soaring.
In a similar vein, Ole Miss, guided by Yolett McPhee-McCuin, is another team benefiting greatly from the transfer portal. After advancing to the Sweet 16 last season, the Rebels have welcomed eight new players into the fold. Notably, they’ve brought in Denim DeShields and Debreshapaw, who are familiar with SEC competition. They also secured Lauren Jacobs, a top 100 recruit according to ESPN, which adds to their already promising roster.
The road ahead in the SEC is challenging, but Ole Miss seems poised for a breakout season.
Meanwhile, Jacie Hoyt enters her third year with the Cowgirls. Last season, they achieved 25 wins, with impressive victories against teams like Baylor and West Virginia, finishing third in the Big 12 standings.
However, their journey in the NCAA Tournament was cut short in the opening round against South Dakota. Jadyn Wooten, who was a standout assist leader as a true freshman last year, returns. Roster additions include BYU forward Amari Whiting and UCF forward Acol Acott, along with several key transfers, bolstering their depth.
Notably, four of these five transfers averaged at least six points per game last season, with Timer hitting 40% from three-point range. Whiting contributed significantly at BYU, averaging 10.3 points along with decent rebounds and assists. It’s important to note that Oklahoma State had been operating without their 6-foot-5 center Ogechukwu Onoh due to injuries last season.
In summary, as Oklahoma combines talent and depth, the trio of Grey, Wooten, and hard work could make a significant impact.
